Introduction
Indulging in a delicious Greek Salad paired with perfectly grilled garlic bread makes for an invigorating meal or a delightful appetizer. This combination is bursting with fresh flavors and offers a delightful crunch, making it suitable for any occasion. Let’s explore the ingredients and simple steps to create this fabulous dish!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Greek Salad:
– 4 mini cucumbers, peeled and chopped
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup sliced mini sweet peppers
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
– Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Bread:
– 2 small baguettes, sliced in half lengthwise
– 6 tablespoons salted butter, softened
– 4 to 6 garlic cloves, finely minced or pressed
– Fresh herbs (such as parsley or basil), for sprinkling
– Feta cheese, crumbled, for sprinkling
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6
This Greek Salad with garlic bread is not only simple to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser. The combination of flavors and textures will surely leave your guests asking for more. Enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Greek Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the chopped mini cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced mini sweet peppers, thinly sliced red onion, and pitted kalamata olives.
Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the honey, red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, lemon juice, and minced garlic until well combined. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Toss the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss until all ingredients are evenly coated. Cover and let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Prepare the Garlic Bread:
In a small bowl, mix the softened salted butter with the finely minced or pressed garlic cloves until smooth.
Spread the Garlic Butter:
Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the baguette halves.
Grill the Bread:
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Place the baguette halves, cut side down, on the grill. Grill for about 2-3 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and has grill marks. Remove from the grill.
Assemble the Dish:
Spoon the marinated Greek salad generously over the grilled garlic bread halves. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad. Garnish with fresh herbs of your choice, such as parsley or basil.
Serve:
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Marination Time:
Let the Greek salad marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Herb Options:
You can use a variety of fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, to garnish the dish.
Serving Suggestion:
This dish is best served fresh, right after assembling.
Storage Advice:
The Greek salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a day, but it’s best enjoyed right after preparation. The garlic bread is best served fresh as well.
Cook techniques
Chopping
Chop cucumbers and sweet peppers into bite-sized pieces to ensure they mix well with other salad ingredients and are easy to eat.
Halving
Halve cherry tomatoes to expose their juicy interior and allow them to absorb the dressing better.
Slicing
Thinly slice the red onion for a mild flavor and to blend seamlessly into the salad.
Pitting olives
Ensure that kalamata olives are pitted to avoid any unwanted bites and enhance the salad’s texture.
Whisking
Whisk dressing ingredients together to create an emulsion that evenly disperses flavors throughout the salad.
Marinating
Let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld for a more cohesive taste.
Mixing garlic butter
Blend the garlic with softened butter until smooth for easy spreading on the baguette.
Grilling
Grill baguette halves cut side down to achieve a crispy exterior and a slightly smoky flavor.
Assembly
Carefully spoon the marinated salad onto the grilled garlic bread, ensuring an even distribution for every bite.
Garnishing
Finish with crumbled feta cheese and fresh herbs to enhance the dish’s presentation and flavor profile.
FAQ
Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?
Yes, you can substitute feta with other cheeses like goat cheese or mozzarella, depending on your preference.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftover Greek salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Can I make the salad a day in advance?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the salad a day ahead; just add the dressing right before serving.
What can I substitute for red wine vinegar?
You can use apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar as a substitute for red wine vinegar.
Is it necessary to marinate the salad?
Marinating the salad helps develop flavors, but you can serve it immediately if you’re short on time.
Conclusion
The combination of Greek salad and grilled garlic bread creates a delightful and refreshing dish perfect for any occasion. The vibrant flavors of the vegetables, complemented by the tangy dressing and the rich taste of garlic butter on crispy bread, make it a satisfying and healthy choice. This meal not only highlights the freshness of the ingredients but also showcases the simplicity of Mediterranean cuisine, allowing for a memorable dining experience.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl
Combine cooked quinoa with diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice for a protein-packed meal.
Stuffed Mini Peppers
Fill mini sweet peppers with a mixture of cream cheese, feta, herbs, and garlic for a tasty appetizer that pairs well with the Greek salad.
Roasted Vegetable Platter
Roast seasonal vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers with olive oil and oregano for a warm side dish that complements the fresh salad.
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Baguette
Create a delicious stuffed baguette by filling it with a mixture of sautéed spinach, crumbled feta, garlic, and herbs before baking until golden.
Chickpea Salad
Mix canned chickpeas with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and parsley, dressed with olive oil and lemon juice for a protein-rich side dish that echoes the flavors of the Greek salad.
